Let’s give thanks for hiking trails! I love my local trails and there are some I don’t hike as often as I would like. This one is about 30 minutes from home, and takes just 2 hours to complete. This was my third time hiking to Bell Peak (Elev 2526). The last time I made it to the peak was back in 2021.
Bell View Trail
I began my hike up the ultra steep trail to Bell Peak along Bell View Trail. I was not on my way to an insane asylum (aka Bellevue) thankfully, but on my way to the flag. It is Thanksgiving, and the flag is a symbol of freedom, and something I am grateful for.
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks. Long ago, when food was scarce, a big feast like a Thanksgiving meal, was a luxury. So this large feast we enjoy with family and friends has come to symbolize everything that makes America a great place to live. But I had to get a hike in first, because hiking is not only something I enjoy, it will help to justify those extra calories I will consume later on.
Thanks for Freedom
We live in a republic, and although we have some democratic principles, it is not the same. When I hear politicians telling people to “preserve democracy,” what is really being said, is to continue transitioning away from a republic where all aspects of our lives are decided by us, and free. Let’s keep this land free, and preserve freedom made possible through checks and balances, held in place by the constitution. Freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, and freedom to protect ourselves from tyrannical leaders, is all protected in the constitution. Those against it, are constantly trying to convince us that we are better off with less freedom, and more rules. Don’t fall for this lie. America is beautiful just as it is. Keep it wild and keep it free!
It’s Good to Ask Questions
When I’m on a trail, I ask questions. Which trail is best to take? What shoe’s should I wear? How much water will I need? The same goes for life. Asking questions is healthy. Now what if someone told you, you were not allowed to think, or ask questions, just do what your told. We would be in a dictatorship then.
Thankful for Our Republic
But in a republic, you’re not told how to think, what to believe, and are allowed to ask as many questions as you want. In a dictatorship, constant censorship, and social credit systems are the norm, where you are not free to say what you want, or question anything.
Anytime you hear your leader in government telling you how to think, what to feel, or how you need to change your beliefs, that is against what our country stands for. The truth is the people must be heard. I encourage you to email, call, or write letters to your public servants. They work for us, and we check their power, so we can ask all the questions we want. Just remember that.
Did they close your local park, or trail? Let em know it’s not ok. Open that thing up, because our public lands belong to us.
So I am thankful for my freedom today. Anytime I get to get outside and explore I remember all the sacrifices that paved the way for all the trails we enjoy. That’s another reason I can’t take this all for granted, and am very grateful to get outside today.
The rocky trail up to the peak means you might want to take your time. The road was recently graded but is still very uneven. I took the wide fire road until I passed through a section on shady oaks.
I could have continued up the steep shorter section to the right. Instead I made a left, and headed downhill, taking the longer loop, down and around to the summit.
The Saddleback Mountains are beautiful in all seasons, including fall, and I love hiking here in the foothills year-round.
I looked down into the valley, and could see Trabuco Road, which leads to Holy Jim Falls. It’s a rough and rutted road, but can be passable by cars, so long as the water is not overflowing over the road after a rain.
I found this one interesting flower on the trail, which I have not seen before. I was trying to figure out if it’s native or not. It is called Gazania, or “Treasure Flower.”
The trail went down a ways, before climbing once again, along a series of steep switchbacks.
Finally I made it to the top of this one. The trail had ben narrow, steep, and challenging for the much of the last mile.
Then I reached the saddle, and could see the peak in the distance. This is not a very high peak, but it makes up for it, with the great views.
I was feeling great when I finally finished my climb to Bell Flag Summit. It’s an amazing workout getting up here. It took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get here. A runner past me, running up this, which I cannot say I am capable at this moment, but maybe someday. I always run back, or on the not too steep parts.
I was grateful for my freedom and for a beautiful Thanksgiving Day Hike!
There is a hiker box here too, if you want to sign the trail register. I jogged on back from here, which took me about 35 minutes. Here is the route that I took on my hike today.
Happy Thanksgiving!
One of the things I am most thankful for is my freedom. I am free to hike solo as a woman, wearing what I want, doing what I want, enjoying equal rights. I feel blessed to live in a constitutional republic where we are allowed to do as we wish, have our own opinions, be uncensored, without interference of those we elect. At least that is what its supposed to be like. We live in the best country in the world because of freedom. We are free to think, ask questions, and worship as we please. God bless the USA! Long live the republic for which it stands 🇺🇸
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
– Psalms 107:1
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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